The fourth round of the federally funded Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI) will provide $500 million to Australian councils for community infrastructure and road projects.
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President, Cr Linda Scott, said the funding allocations will be welcomed by councils right across the nation and help them build and revitalise playgrounds, community centres, libraries and sporting facilities.
“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has been extremely successful, and the direct delivery of funding to councils has ensured the quick and effective delivery of local projects,” Cr Scott said.
Making the LRCI program permanent would enable councils to address the growing demand for new and revitalised community and road infrastructure, and benefit every community.
However, Cr Scott said ALGA was concerned by the government’s intention to prioritise $250 million in LRCI funding which was announced in the October 2022 Budget for regional, rural and outer urban area roads.
“All Australian councils are facing significant road maintenance issues, and ALGA will continue to advocate for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to be available to all local governments,” Cr Scott said.
“Inner city and metropolitan councils are also facing road and infrastructure maintenance pressures, and ALGA’s 2021 National State of the Assets report showed that $17.8 billion of Australia’s local roads are in poor condition.
“ALGA is seeking a $300 million per year increase in Roads to Recovery funding that would support all councils to address the poor state of our national road network.
“Recognising the additional challenges faced by disaster-impacted regional councils, ALGA has also proposed a new $250 million per year fund that would support these councils to build back better.”
Feature image supplied by ALGA.
